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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Classic Designs. 9726 and 9733

These Classic Blenko Glass designs are sure to please, even the most difficult person on your shopping list.
Blenko Glass.  www.blenkoglass.com 

Friday, March 27, 2015

American Paperweight Circle Reminder

Don’t forget the 4th annual session of the American Paperweight Circle,- tomorrow, March 28.
The show and sale is from 10 am to 3 pm. Set-up for the sale is free, but tables must be reserved in advance with MAG. The event is free and open to the public.




The museum is located at 230 Main Street in Weston WV, 26452.  For more information contact 304-269-5006, glassmuse12@gmail.com, or visit www.magwv.com.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Support our Troops Wear Red on Fridays!

  Readers:  I can't take credit for this idea or story - it was a forward.   I like many of you support 100%  our Troops.   HJH                                  
Subject: Fwd: Will you give this to my Daddy?
 
This is a great story, but the end is really great.  I am starting to do it tomorrow - Friday.  Maybe you would like to do it too.  Forward this to your friends.  It would be wonderful to have thousands do this every Fri. 
 
 
As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'
 
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
 
Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
 
 
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
 
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
 
 
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said, "hi."
 
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
 
 
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her Daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
 
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
 
 
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..
 
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then huggged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying, "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."
 
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
 
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
 
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.
 
RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday . The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority."  We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
 
We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many American, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Americans supports our troops.
 
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will     wear something red.
 
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a               homecoming football game in the bleachers.
 
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.
 
The first thing a soldier says when asked, "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.
 
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
 

 
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.THEIR BLOOD                    RUNS RED ---- SO WEAR RED! --- MAY GOD HELP AMERICA TO BECOME ONE NATION, UNDER GOD. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015

glass update - V

Hello Hillary,

Here are more photos of glass I made this month. I have been trying to make the perfect roman handle for more than 5 weeks now. So I decided to practice all on one piece. The one on right has 14 handles on it.

I hope you and the readers like them.

Vivek





Sunday, March 22, 2015

RIP Blenko Lady from Georgia - Deborah Allen

Blenko Friends - I just learned that Deobrah Allen Passed away. Am very saddened by this.



The Blenko Lady From Georgia 


The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org began while I was an undergrad at WVU - almost ten years ago.
The Blenko Collectors Group was very active at this time,  many men and women with vast knowledge of Blenko and WV Glass boldly stepped forward to assist me.  Deborah Allen was one of the first to offer her assistance.
Deborah Allen knows and loves Blenko Glass.  She and her beloved husband Rod Allen,  have a unique and vast collection of excellent quality Blenko.   Deb has been featured in news articles, and has written for publication about Blenko,  she frequently spoke to large groups of people on the subject of Blenko Glass.  If you collected Blenko during the BCS you would recall Deb Allen as she was often a featured speaker at Blenko Collector group meetings. 
What I remember most about my meetings with Deb was  enthusiasm, her knowledge, her willingness to share,  and her genuine love of Blenko.  She knew the history of each item,  many times she could tell you what shop made the item.  While it was no secret Deb,a true Southern Lady    had a favorite Blenko Designer. She was loyal to the brand.  Not just a 'cheerleader' for handmade in WVa Glass but a person devoted to educating others about handmade WVa Glass.  Deborah and Rodney bought and displayed  quality Blenko made by all the Blenko Designers.
Deb Allen was a big part of 'the living  encyclopedia of Blenko Glass.'   Cards may be sent to the address below.  I'll work on getting an email address posted.
Thank You HJH



Deborah Allen,  4174 Reef Rd., Marietta GA 30066


Deb Allen   giving a seminar on Blenko at the PSDGC show in Atlanta, last summer.
         

Friday, March 20, 2015

Blenko warehouse sale

Blenko is having its annual warehouse sale. Here are pictures from this year's sale. Do visit blenko, if you can.

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The door opens promptly at 9am in the morning. Come in out of the rain, (but please pardon our leaks), and check out our great selection and super discounted prices. All regular water bottles are $12.00 each. This year we have a great selection of mini water bottles plus much, much more.
Select sheet glass is $15.00 per sheet and select dalle de verre slab glass is $5.00 ea or BOGO free.
We have also discounted a large selection of "First" quality pieces.
Our hours are 9am-4pm Saturday
9am-3pm Mon-Fri
Closed Sunday
Sale runs tomorrow through March 28.













Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Adams Hallmark Limited Edition Basket

Blenko Spring Open House and warehouse sale start this Saturday. Below is another announcemnt from blenko glass company.

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Adams Hallmark is now accepting reservations for the 2015 Blenko Glass Limited Edition Spring Basket. An Adams Hallmark exclusive, the Spring Basket is limited to 50 hand-numbered pieces. Available beginning April 4, the introduction will coincide with a Walter Blenko signing event at Adams Hallmark at Pierpont Centre in Morgantown from 1-3pm. Reserve yours today by calling 304-291-4008 or by visiting your local Adams Hallmark location.


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

REMINDER: ST. PATRICK'S DAY SPECIALS AT BLENKO VC

BLENKO GLASS VISITOR CENTER & GIFT SHOP
ST. PATRICK'S DAY SPECIAL
15% off all Blenko "Green" items. 
(Clover, Spring Green, Kiwi)
Discount will be given at register.
Gift Shop Hours:
Mon-Sat 9-4
Sunday 12-4
If you have any questions give them a call at 877-425-3656 Ext 14




Monday, March 16, 2015

American Paperweight Circle March 28th in Weston

American Paperweight Circle



Weston, WV – The 4th annual session of the American Paperweight Circle is scheduled for March 28, 2015 at the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia (MAG) located at 230 Main Street in Weston.  There will be at least a dozen makers and dealers to exhibit and sell who come from as far away as New York.  Executive director , Dean Six said, “Many  of the glass artists make weights just for this show and will be introducing new techniques and designs.“ Both old and new American–made weights will be featured.


Attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn from one another as well as see the museum’s impressive collection of over 400 weights including an extensive group from the Cambridge, Ohio Degenhart Museum that is now closed.


A special event this year will be the dedication of a new home for the Great Pumpkin in a pumpkin patch.  Already the pumpkin patch has a small selection of glass paperweight pumpkins surrounding the Great Pumpkin.


The show and sale is from 10 am to 3 pm. Set-up for the sale is free, but tables must be reserved in advance with MAG. The event is free and open to the public.


The museum is located at 230 Main Street in Weston WV, 26452.  For more information contact 304-269-5006, glassmuse12@gmail.com, or visit www.magwv.com.






Saturday, March 14, 2015

Blenko Spring Open House starts today. March 14.

Blenko Spring Open House
Doors open at 9am. Ltd edition items on sale. Tickets will be handed out at the door for the Daffodil vases and Jelly Bean Bunny.
Signing event with Andy Blenko, 
Clearance items Buy One Get one 1/2 price.
Special glass demonstrations 9:45-2:00






Friday, March 13, 2015

Reminder: Blenko Spring Open house and Warehouse sale states tomorrow, MARCH 14

Reminder from Blenko 
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Our Spring Open House and Warehouse Sale starts tomorrow, March 14. The gift shop and warehouse open at 9am.
We will have Limited Edition items, glass signings, classes and much more. The warehouse will have items discounted as much as 30-70%.
Make plans to visit us during this great event.





Spring Open House

Spring Open House
March 14

Product update....

Due to the overwhelming amount of positive comments we received about the "Jelly Bean" Bunny, we have decided to increase the number available for sale in the gift shop to 40.

We will have 50 available for online ordering starting at noon EST on March 16.




Tuesday, March 10, 2015

upcoming blenko events



Warehouse Sale
(March 14 - 28, 2015)
Once again we will be offering amazing deals as we open our warehouse to the general public only during this yearly event. Cash, check, and all major credit cards are accepted and parking will be available at the warehouse and in front of the factory. Come in early for the best selection. Inventory over-runs discounted 30% - 70% off, Buy 1 get 1 free offer on select Dalle de Verre slab glass products and 70% off all Antique Sheet Glass products while quantities last. Limited availability on specialty colors and designs. Prices as marked. No additional discounts or coupons.
Warehouse Sale Hours:
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm
Closed Sunday
Spring Open House Event
(Saturday, March 14, 9am - 4pm)
Along with our Annual Warehouse Sale, our Annual Spring Open House Event will also be held at our Visitor Center Store on Saturday, March 14. Visitors will be able to participate in a variety of classes (fees apply) and three new Limited Edition Items will go on sale Saturday, March 14 at 9am at the Visitor Center Store. (tickets will be passed out at the door). Each piece is limited and hand numbered. Limited 2 per style per person. Limited Edition Items can be seen below.
Limited Edition Items
(On sale March 14 at 9am at Visitor Center Store)

"Spring Daffodil" Vases
This design absolutely shouts Spring with Green, Yellow and Orange coloration rising up through these Crystal vases resulting in a beautiful one of a kind design. 40 numbered vases in each design will be available.
Tall 10 1/2'' Vase: $50 each
Short 6 3/4'' Vase: $47 each

"Jelly Bean" Bunny
A true piece of Easter inspired art, the "Jelly Bean" Bunny is completely hand-formed with a twist of pastel colors in it's belly. 40 of these approx. 6 3/4'' tall, numbered bunnies will be available.
"Jelly Bean" Bunny:
$52 each
Online Exclusives!!!
(Monday, March 16 at 12 noon EST)
For our customers who can't visit us in person. We will be offering 50 of our Limited Edition "Jelly Bean" Bunnies as well as 40 of our new Limited Edition ''Spring Daffodil'' pieces in both the 10 1/2'' and 6 3/4'' designs for online purchase Monday, March 16 at 12 noon Eastern time, 9am Pacific time at shop.blenko.com. Each piece is limited and hand numbered. Limit 2 per style per person. No phone orders will be accepted. Shipping charges will be calculated at the time of shipment. No special number requests will be taken, numbers will be assigned as orders are received.

Easter Specials!!!
Just in time for the holiday and our Open House Event, our Easter Bunnies, Easter Eggs and Easter Baskets are sure to be a customer favorite this time of year. Available Saturday, March 14 at the gift shop. No two eggs or bunnies are exactly alike. Get yours while supplies last.
Signing Events!!!
Andy Blenko will be attending our Spring Open House on Saturday, March 14 for a special signing event. Signing event times are as follows:
9:00am - 11:00am &
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Save The Date!!!
Here is a list of special factory events and dates.
West Virginia Day Event
Saturday, June 20
*Special VC Hours
8am-5pm*
"Midnight Madness"
Friday, June 19
*TBA*
Festival of Glass
Friday & Saturday,
July 31 & August 1
Watch for more information in the coming weeks and months for all of these events.
Spring Open House Classes
(Saturday, March 14)
Make Your Own Glass Easter Eggs
$35.00 per person
Class times: Approx. 9:30am-11:30am & 12:15pm-2:15pm
Back by popular demand we will have our Make Your Own Easter Egg class. Each person will work with our craftsman to create two multi-colored glass Easter eggs.
*Brand New for 2015*
Optic Vase Mini Glass Workshop
$65.00 per person
Class times: Approx. 9:30am-11:30am & 12:15pm-2:15pm
You will work with our artisans performing each step required to create a beautiful optic vase.
*Kid Friendly Classes*
Glass Painting & Tumbled Glass Mosaic
$10.00 per person
Ongoing class upstairs in the gift shop 8:30am-2:00pm
Use your imagination to create unique, one of a kind pieces of art.
Give us a call at 304-743-9081 or 877-425-3656 to sign up. Credit card required to hold reservation. We hope to see you soon!!!
$5 off This coupon can be redeemed for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at our Visitor Center Store. Limit one coupon per customer per purchase. Coupons can not be combined with any other offer. Discounts not valid on Limited Edition items, online purchases or Warehouse Sale purchases. Not Valid during 15% discount events.
ONLY VALID IN GIFT SHOP.
Offer Expires: April 30, 2015

Sunday, March 08, 2015

Easter Egg class at Blenko

Update from Blenko 
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We have had such a tremendous response to our Make Your Own Easter Egg class that we have sold out all 4 classes we have scheduled for Saturday, March 14.
THANK YOU!!
Because of this response we have added 2 Easter egg classes to our schedule for FRIDAY, MARCH 13. 
Class times are 9:30 and 12:45.
If you would be interested in taking the class on Friday, just give us a call at 877-425-3656 between the hours of 8am-2:45pm Monday-Friday.


Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Spring Open House

Spring Open House
Limited Edition Items
As promised here is some additional information on these items.
Available to purchase in the gift shop on Saturday, March 14 at 9am.
Tickets will be handed out at the door. Each piece will be numbered.
Andy Blenko will be on hand to sign your pieces at scheduled times throughout the day.
JELLY BEAN BUNNY
6 3/4" Tall approx.
$52.00 each
Current plans are to have 25 available for purchase in the gift shop and 50 available to purchase online Monday, March 16 at 12noon EST. (This could change depending on how our production goes). We will keep you updated on the qty available as the event gets closer.
SPRING DAFFODIL VASES
Tall vase. 10 1/2" tall. $50.00 each
Short vase. 6 3/4" tall. $47.00 each
40 of each vase will be available in the gift shop on March 14 at 9am
Tickets will be handed out at the door. Each piece hand numbered.
We appreciate all of the positive comments on these pieces we have received the past few days. Our artisans work very hard designing and creating these unique pieces.